Policy and advocacy topics

Advocacy is vital to March of Dimes to advance our mission through public policies, programs and funding.

The U.S. is facing a maternal and infant health crisis, fueled by the health equity gap in our health care system. 

We advocate and maintain strong relationships with Congress and the Administration to ensure the passage of a wide range of key maternal and infant health reforms.

  • Increase access to quality health care: March of Dimes advocates for access to quality, high-value, private health insurance and public health coverage, as well as programs that provide integrated health care services.
  • Support healthy women and babies: March of Dimes supports a broad range of policies and programs to promote health, improve health equity, prevent disease, further patient safety and prevent infant mortality. 
  • Improve research and surveillance: March of Dimes advocates for innovative medical research and robust health surveillance programs.
     

Why we advocate

6.9
million women nationwide have little or no access to maternal health care
C-
grade for maternal and infant health for the entire United States
383k
babies were born too soon in 2021

Policy and advocacy wins

A sampling of key March of Dimes victories and accomplishments

Playing a critical role in shaping national and state policies that impact the health of women, infants, children and families

March of Dimes is deeply proud of our uncommon record of success, which reflects decades of commitment advocating with policymakers across the political spectrum for moms and babies.
Policy & Advocacy Wins

The American Rescue Plan Act

This policy is already making a positive impact for tens of thousands of at-risk women, especially Black moms, across the country.
AA baby mom dad brother in NICU.jpg.resized

FY 22 Omnibus Appropriations bill

Includes critical new investments for: Maternal and child health and development research programs; newborn screening; health workforce; and more.
Abraham Tanuvasa Mom,SkintoSkin,Dad, NG Tube

Protecting Moms Who Served Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement the maternity care coordination program.
Protecting Moms Who Served Act
View All Victories and achievements

Featured topics

Advocate for Healthy Families
Advocate for Healthy Families

Action Center

See how you can take action to support the advancement of March of Dimes’ federal and state policy priorities and ensure parents and babies have the healthy start they deserve!
Learn about our policy initiatives
Learn about our policy initiatives

Policies and positions

Learn more about our advocacy for women, infants, children and families across a wide range of issues at the federal and state levels.
Let your voice be heard
Let your voice be heard

Federal advocacy

We lobby both Congress and the Administration and maintain strong relationships with policymakers across the political spectrum. Our priorities include a wide range of maternal child health issues.
State Advocacy
Make change locally

State advocacy

Find out how March of Dimes works to influence both legislative and regulatory activities in each state. Our volunteers and staff serve as powerful voices for the needs of pregnant women, infants, children, and families.
Victories for moms and babies
Victories for moms and babies

Victories and achievements

Learn about March of Dimes victories and achievements in federal and state advocacy. We have played a critical role in shaping national and state policies that impact women, infants, children, and families.
Become an empowered advocate
Become an empowered advocate

Advocacy leadership

Take a central role in our advocacy campaign to change public policies across the nation and acquire the skills to lead others to do the same.

Get involved

Take action to support the advancement of March of Dimes’ federal policy priorities and ensure parents and babies have the healthy start they deserve.

Advocate

Advocate for healthy moms and strong babies with March of Dimes. Join our network and make a difference in maternal and infant health.

BIPOC Maternal Health

Volunteer

Join our amazing volunteer community and make a difference in maternal and infant health across the country.

National Volunteer Day

Donate

March of Dimes donations go towards lifesaving research and advocating policies that prioritize the health of moms and babies. Your donation to our nonprofit can help improve the lives of moms and babies everywhere. Donate to March of Dimes today.

Mom and Baby